Historical and contemporary perspectives on the development of analytical music therapy Training

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: analytical music therapy (AMT) is an international model of music therapy that is an integral part of advanced training for music therapists. AMT training entails the study of music psychotherapy, techniques and strategies, individual and group supervision, as well as personal AMT therapy, by exploring music therapists’ inner life. AMT training prepares aspiring music therapists to meet the challenges of the profession. Music therapists from all over the world have received AMT training and have applied their knowledge in various settings. Moreover, they have an opportunity to examine their worldview, values, personality, musical self, and interactions with clients. Method: To provide a better understanding of the historical perspectives, interviews with experienced educators and significant historical figures and literature review were performed. The significant information was contextualized, and verbatim statements from the interviewees were included. Results: Mary Priestley created AMT, Johannes Eschen and Inge Pedersen integrated the experiential component of AMT training into music therapy programs in Europe, and Benedikte Scheiby was instrumental in developing a postgraduate training program in New York from 1997 to 2018. She was an integral part of the new AMT training initiative at Molloy College, the first university-based AMT training program. Discussion: This paper identifies historical perspectives, its current state, and the benefits and challenges of AMT training. Various viewpoints of AMT training are discussed. This analysis can help music therapists to honor the pioneers’ legacy and to contribute to the further development of AMT.